Summary of "The Rubin Report" Episode: If Americans Only Knew These Facts About Israel | Mike Huckabee

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Rubin Report
• Host: Dave Rubin
• Guest: Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, former Governor of Arkansas, former TV star, and guitarist
• Episode Title: If Americans Only Knew These Facts About Israel
• Release Date: June 15, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Rubin Report, host Dave Rubin sits down with Mike Huckabee, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Huckabee shares his extensive personal and professional relationship with Israel, delving into the profound contributions Israel has made to the United States and the deep historical and spiritual connections that bind the two nations.

Israel's Contributions to the United States

Huckabee passionately outlines the myriad ways in which Israel has positively impacted American life. He emphasizes that the relationship is mutually beneficial, with Israel fostering innovation that benefits the U.S. economy and technological landscape.

• Technological Innovations:

  • "If people in America enjoy their cell phone, thank Israel for it. They wouldn't have one unless the technology that originally came from the SIM cards and some of the original technology that became the cell phone developed here." [00:25]
  • Medical advancements such as cardiac procedures and robotic technologies are highlighted as Israeli innovations that have saved lives.

• Agricultural Advances:

  • Huckabee credits Israel's development of drip irrigation for transforming arid landscapes into fertile agricultural zones.
  • "Drip irrigation that transformed this land into a lush place with vegetables and fruits growing in places that used to be nothing but desert." [21:15]

• Everyday Pleasures:

  • He mentions everyday items like cherry tomatoes and seedless watermelons as products that originated from Israeli innovations.

Mike Huckabee’s Appointment as Ambassador

Huckabee reflects on his unexpected yet honored appointment as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, a role he accepted at the direct request of President Donald Trump.

• "President Trump telling me, yes, that I'm coming to Israel. Simple as that. But for me, it was the one thing that he would have asked me to do that I couldn't say no to." [02:43]

• He expresses his deep-rooted connections with Israel, having visited over a hundred times and fostering significant relationships over 52 years.

• Huckabee emphasizes that his appointment is not just a job but a fulfillment of a lifetime’s passion and commitment to the U.S.-Israel partnership.

Historical and Spiritual Connections to Israel

A central theme of the discussion is the profound historical and spiritual bond between the United States and Israel, grounded in biblical history and archaeological evidence.

• Personal Connection:

  • Huckabee recounts his first visit to Israel in July 1973 at the age of 17, which sparked a lifelong spiritual connection.
  • "There was something that absolutely connected with me. And it wasn't anything because of the beauty of the country... It was spiritual." [04:44]

• Biblical Significance:

  • He stresses the continuous Jewish presence in Israel for approximately 3,800 years, supported by extensive archaeological findings.
  • "Every single archaeological discovery in this land... has affirmed the Jews have been here for all these years since God first told Abraham." [08:37]

• Understanding Christianity:

  • Huckabee explains that Christianity is irrevocably linked to Judaism, highlighting that without the Jewish faith, Christianity could not exist.
  • "I can't be a Christian without the entirety of all of this history of God in our world leading up to what I believe in terms of as a Christian and that Jesus himself was Jewish." [11:17]

The Geopolitical Role of Israel

Huckabee discusses Israel's strategic importance in the Middle East and its unique partnership with the United States, likening it to a marriage rather than a mere alliance.

• Strategic Partnership:

  • "The level of cooperation and affiliation that we have with each other is much more like a marriage than a bromance." [14:21]

• Nobel Achievements:

  • Israel boasts more Nobel Prize winners per capita than any other nation, underscoring its contribution to science and innovation.

• Military and Intelligence Cooperation:

  • The collaboration extends to military technology and intelligence sharing, crucial for regional stability and security.

Current Challenges: The Hostage Crisis and Hamas

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the ongoing conflict with Hamas, the hostage situation, and the broader implications for U.S.-Israel relations.

• Hostage Crisis:

  • Huckabee highlights the severity of the hostage situation, with over 600 days of conflict compared to past crises like the 1979 Iran hostage situation.
  • "This has gone on because Hamas has continued to hold and torture the living and kept the dead from being returned to their families for a respectful and proper burial." [26:53]

• Public Perception and Media Coverage:

  • He criticizes international media outlets like BBC, CNN, AP, and The New York Times for disseminating misinformation and failing to convey the truth about Hamas's actions.
  • "The truth is the best weapon that Israel has. But the world isn't hearing the truth." [22:20]

• Call to Action:

  • Huckabee urges the necessity of dismantling Hamas to ensure lasting peace and the safe return of hostages.
  • "The President's message has been clear. Hamas can't stay. They can't govern. They got to go." [27:09]

Public Relations and Messaging Strategy

Huckabee addresses the need for Israel to enhance its public relations efforts to effectively communicate its stance and actions to the global community.

• Effective Messaging:

  • He suggests that Israel needs to improve its messaging by focusing on the truth rather than resorting to propaganda.
  • "Do a better job of messaging the truth. I'm not talking propaganda. The truth is the best weapon that Israel has." [22:20]

• Challenges with International Opinions:

  • Highlighting the internal and external political pressures, Huckabee points out how allies like the UK and France often undermine Israel's position.
  • "You got Macron in France saying the same thing." [28:25]

The U.S.-Israel Partnership Under Strain

Addressing recent rumors and media reports of tensions between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, Huckabee clarifies the strength and stability of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

• Strong Alliance:

  • Huckabee asserts that the U.S. and Israel maintain an unwavering and robust partnership, comparable to a lifelong marriage.
  • "Our countries are in the strongest possible partnership one could hope for." [33:21]

• Dispelling Misinformation:

  • He dismisses claims of discord between Trump and Netanyahu as fabricated stories lacking substantive evidence.
  • "There's no big problem between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. They talk often." [32:22]

Balancing Faith and Diplomacy

In the concluding part of the conversation, Huckabee reflects on how his religious beliefs and diplomatic responsibilities are harmoniously integrated.

• Unified Perspective:

  • He views his faith and his role as ambassador as interconnected, both deeply influencing his understanding of Israel and its significance.
  • "I see it integrated. I have a compartmentalized. Okay, this is my faith view. This is my geopolitical view." [30:35]

• Addressing Ignorance and Anti-Israel Sentiments:

  • Huckabee expresses concern over the growing ignorance and anti-Israel attitudes among Americans, attributing them to a lack of understanding and limited exposure.
  • "It's an ignorant way to look at the world because you can't live that way." [30:20]

Conclusion

Mike Huckabee's appearance on The Rubin Report offers a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Through personal anecdotes, historical insights, and strategic analysis, Huckabee underscores the indispensable role Israel plays in technological innovation, geopolitical stability, and shared spiritual heritage. He calls for greater understanding and support from Americans, emphasizing that the partnership with Israel is not only beneficial but essential for global security and progress.

Notable Quotes:

• "If people in America enjoy their cell phone, thank Israel for it." [00:25]
• "Drip irrigation that transformed this land into a lush place with vegetables and fruits growing in places that used to be nothing but desert." [21:15]
• "The truth is the best weapon that Israel has." [22:20]
• "Our countries are in the strongest possible partnership one could hope for." [33:21]
• "I can't be a Christian without the entirety of all of this history of God in our world." [11:17]

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights shared by Mike Huckabee during his interview on The Rubin Report, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the U.S.-Israel relationship from both historical and contemporary perspectives.